Constant Observer (Sitter, Patient Observation) | 36 hours per week | Nursing Administration

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center•Fort Madison, IA

About The Position

The Patient Sitter/Observer provides continuous observation of patients at risk for falls, self-harm, elopement, or other safety concerns. The role helps ensure a safe environment and promptly reports changes in patients’ condition or behavior to nursing staff. Working under the direction of an RN, the observer supports patient care plans and remains engaged and vigilant throughout shifts. The role may also serve as a Tele-Sitter Monitor Technician, using remote video monitoring technology to observe patients and alert staff to potential safety risks. This position is scheduled for 36 hours per week, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including every other weekend. Minimum hiring wage is $16.00 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is preferred.
MOAB training within 180 days of hire and every two years thereafter.
Basic Cardiac Life Support and First Aid from the American Heart Association within 180 days; required.
Iowa Mandatory Reporter training for Child Abuse from the Iowa Department of Human Services within 180 days; required.
Iowa Mandatory Reporter training for Dependent Adult Abuse from the Iowa Department of Human Services within 180 days; required.
Knowledge of customer and personal service principles, including assessing customer needs, meeting service-quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of English language structure and content, including word meanings, spelling, composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Ability to recognize others’ reactions and understand why they react as they do.
Actively look for ways to help people.
Listen attentively, understand others’ points, ask appropriate questions, and avoid interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitor and assess performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
Adjust actions in relation to others’ actions.
Use logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
Ability to see details at close range.
Ability to communicate spoken information and ideas clearly.
Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
Ability to listen to and understand spoken information and identify and understand another person’s speech.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED is preferred.

Responsibilities

Observe patients to ensure their safety and the safety of staff.
Observe patients’ conditions and behavior and report changes to professional staff.
Clean and straighten patients’ rooms.
Assist with turning and repositioning patients to help prevent pressure ulcers.
Use bed and chair alarms appropriately for fall prevention.
Document activities accurately and promptly on the frequent observation flow sheet documentation tool.
When serving as a Tele-Sitter Monitor Technician, use remote video monitoring technology to observe patients and alert staff to potential safety risks.

Benefits

Matching retirement programs
Health, dental, and vision plans
Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee discounts, including car rental and cell-phone plans
Employer-paid long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance
Paid time off (PTO)
Education Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Discounted cafeteria meals
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Service Recognition program
Voluntary life, AD&D, short-term disability, critical illness, accident insurance, and hospital indemnity plans